Belly Bruises
76. The number of shots I've had to give myself in the belly since my recent hospital stay.
$3,220.68. The monthly cost of said shots. ($20 for us. We have never been more thankful for good health insurance!)
238. The number of shots I have left.
Giving yourself shots in the belly twice a day leaves its mark. Sometimes the bruises stick around (pun definitely intended), and sometimes they go away by the next time another needle revisits my tummy.
I remember when the doctor first told me that I would have to do this for my entire pregnancy. I looked over at my husband and my eyes welled up with tears. SHOTS? TWICE A DAY? IN MY BELLY? How could I possibly do this?
I'm doing it. But, I have belly bruises.
I didn't realize how sore I was until I had my latest ultrasound. The sonographer started rolling the transducer probe (yes, I had to look that up) around on my stomach and those "hidden bruises" were definitely there. OUCH!
Remember those arrows I wrote about? Well, I've realized that they're not always happy and fun...but, often quite painful. As in this case, they're not the lollipop and ice cream kinds of arrows. They're trials. Hurts. Losses. Heartaches. Belly Bruises. And just as I'm finding the sunny, playful arrows, I'm learning that God allows me to experience the ones that sting so that He can draw me to Him, and remind me of my desperate need for His grace as He lovingly, mercifully brings me through.
Are these shots fun? No. Are they worth it? Absolutely!
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
................................................................................................James 1: 2-4 NIV
Oh you poor thing. I can't imagine how sore you are (since you are usually sore already just from a baby kicking you). Hopefully, it's very helpful for you and the baby though (what was the problem anyway? you don't have to answer that if you don't want). God bless you and the baby.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww, it's the little bean :) Can't wait for January! Love her (or him) already!
ReplyDeleteOh, praise the Lord for your strength! I'm sorry for the belly bruises, but you are right, it's worth it! Praying for you:)
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Amber
Aw, look at your little miracle! I'm sorry you are having to endure this, but the end result will be sooo worth it. Love u.
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I had no idea you were going through this. You certainly are an inspiration. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a lot of shots. I'm feeling for you. But you are right, definitely worth it in the end!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a boy to me! :-) I think about the pain you're having to go through right now for the amazing gift of life you're carrying...Christ went through amazing pain & gave us life.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you're having to go through that. I have a friend who's had to give herself shots when pregnant also, & boy those bruises look like they really hurt. I pray the Lord continues to give you His strength. Looks like a beautiful baby!
Wow, I pray you will find comfort during this time. I have never heard of taking so many shots while pregnant. I pray you will be able to endure them and I pray your baby will prosper in abundant health!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Melodye
Oh yes, its definately worth it! I am praying for you and this little babe in your belly!
ReplyDeleteOh, goodness! I'm so sorry that you're having to endure that, but it's obvious that you are doing it with love. Hugs and prayers from me to you - and gentle little love pats for the belly. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way - the arrow stares me in the face now! I pointed it out to my hubby and now every time we see a Fed Ex truck, he says "How strange that I never noticed that before!"
Awwwwwwwww!!!!! Bless your heart.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Oh I am so sorry. I know that it is worth it, but in NM I am praying for ya.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
penofjen
Praying for you!
ReplyDeleteAw, I'm remembering back to many shots during my first trimester with Lindsey and Jenna. It was no fun. I had a very sore rearend! My heart goes out to you. The blessing of a new life will be so worth the endurance of the trials you go through right now.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you. Soon may this just be a memory for you :)
Oh, Sar- You say things so beautifully. Your little baby will be SO worth the work. You've always been an amazing trooper.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have to give yourself belly shots. That's just not natural. I give it a "D".
Give baby a rub from Aunt Emily (the second Aunt Emily).
Oh dear. I had no idea you had to do shots after your recent stay at the hospital. What a trial. You are strong and you obviously already know how much it is worth it to keep you and baby healthy! Thanks for including a recent photo of the little one! I love ultrasound pictures!
ReplyDeleteK
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouraging words today--both on my comment section and here in your post. I will pray for you and your baby---God is good and merciful, isn't He?
I am grateful that we can come alongside each other and lift one another up.
UGH - I forgot you were having to do this. So glad the ultrasound looked good - gotta love seeing the reason it is all worth it!
ReplyDeleteCome over and see the caption contest winners!
ReplyDeleteOh my Sarah! Keep doing the hard stuff. It will definitely be worth it. Sorry for your ouies. :-(
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing how quickly we grow to love these little people? Oh, it takes about... 5 minutes. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a keeper to me. :)
It's so worth it. It's not really a sacrifice, is it? Yet, it's still a beautiful picture of unconditional, sacrificial love. Hang in there. Your attitude is great - in fact, I copied your "happiness is..." to my pics, and I'm going to pick up that thread here soon... loved that post!
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! but ..... AWWWW, AWWWW, AWWW!! Such a great outlook you have on life! You're right, it is sooooo worth it!
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteHang in there. I had to give myself 2 shots/day during my first pregnancy. I opted for the thighs. One thigh in the morning and the other in the night. I had thigh bruises for months after my son was delivered. It was during that time that I realized how much Jesus loves me to give me the strength to endure that. I would do it again for another baby if I needed to.
Ouch! Sounds very painful, but what a great outlook you have!
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to get stuck in the painful arrows. To dwell on them, and view them over and over. To keep touching those bruises, and reminding ourselves of how much they hurt. (I do that, anyway).
It sounds like you have the right outlook. You know they're there, and you're thinking about how much they're worth it.
Praying for you and the rest of your pregnancy! Praying that the belly bruises don't hurt TOO much.
OH so sorry to hear that you are having to go through all the shots.
ReplyDeleteBut you are so right in thinking they are well worth it in the end.
Loved seeing the picture of the ultrasound.